Draft is next up during NBA's dizzying days of deals

This was one of the youngest drafts in league history as a record 16 freshmen - or first year American college players - were selected in the first round. "Anytime you want the ball, just let me know and it's going to be there". The top of the board is flush with prospects who possess genuine superstar potential, and the rest of the class is littered with starting-caliber players. I don't think they play as hard as I do, period.

Ainge confirmed at last night's NBA Draft that the Celtics would have taken Tatum first overall had they retained the No. 1 pick, but Boston traded it earlier this week to Philadelphia because Ainge believed they could get Tatum at No. 3 just the same.

"Magic Johnson is one of the greatest players to ever play... he's the best point guard to ever play, so I can learn a lot of things from him". He won't discount trading, he won't dismiss taking a player to stash overseas for a year or two, he won't admit that one skill is more desirable than another for the Raptors. Philadelphia stumbled to 28 wins, putting its total number of victories at 75 over the last four seasons. "They are not going to challenge Cleveland in the next couple of years", Bilas predicted.

Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball were front and center when all the expected top picks took their traditional photo before Thursday night's National Basketball Association draft. Kentucky has arguably not seen a point guard with the playing style of Fox since Washinton Wizards guard John Wall in 2010.

Boston Celtics will have the third pick, followed by the Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic and the Minnesota Timberwolves. His perimeter shooting needs works, however, added Bilas.

"Jonathan Isaac is a terrific young talent that doesn't have quite the exposure maybe as some of the other guys that played at Duke and Kansas", he continued.

Athletically, Bird sports a very good vertical leap (31.5 inch no-step vertical at the combine), and he could become a good defender if he develops his body and applies defensive attention.

"I got better at Washington", said Fultz, who turned 19 on May 29. "Look at my resume through high school, I've been winning my whole life". "Each brings something different to the table from the small forward spot", said Fraschilla. FILE - In this June 7, 2017, file photo, University of California Los Angeles guard Lonzo Ball takes questions from the media after a closed Los Angeles Lakes pre-draft workout in El Segundo, Calif.

Surely, there will be more rumors and trades to come, and that is what makes this week one of the most special of the National Basketball Association offseason. The Lakers just completed the worst four-year stretch in franchise history, but their fans hope that another playmaking superstar will be their reward for the 16-time National Basketball Association champions' misery.

Drafted by Baltimore, Monroe made his mark in NY, where he made two All-Star teams and helped the Knicks to the 1973 title.